Hanoi, 11 August 2026 – A range of technologies and market-ready solutions in green manufacturing, biotechnology, healthcare, food processing, and agriculture were showcased by women scientists at the Women in Tech Networking Conference, creating opportunities for collaboration among women researchers, businesses, and innovation support organizations. The conference aims to accelerate the commercialization of research outcomes and foster innovative solutions that contribute to Viet Nam's socio-economic development.

Technologies presented at the conference included fuel-saving technologies and products; industrial-scale cultivation of nutrient-rich microalgae; production technologies for medicinal mushroom-derived compounds; herbal antibiotic and silver nanoparticle systems for healthcare applications; JEVA fruit juice concentration technology; and electromagnetic and ultrasonic technologies for processing agricultural products and medicinal herbs.

The conference was co-organized by the National Innovation Center (NIC), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Vietnam Association for Science Information and Technology (VASTI), the Center for Science and Technology Application and Entrepreneurship under the Vietnam Association for Intellectual Women (VAFIW), and BK Holdings (Hanoi University of Science and Technology). The conference is part of the project "Vitalizing the Vietnam National Innovation Center", funded by the Government of Japan and co-managed by UNDP and NIC.

The conference brought together representatives from government agencies, international organizations, research institutes, universities, women scientists, businesses, and innovation support organizations.

Bridging Technology Solutions and Market Needs

In addition to showcasing technologies ready for transfer, the conference provided a platform for businesses to present their needs and explore technological solutions in healthcare, environmentally friendly materials, food processing, agriculture, and manufacturing equipment.

The business matchmaking session enabled direct exchanges among scientists, businesses, and innovation support organizations to discuss potential applications, partnerships, and project development opportunities. Supported by experts in intellectual property, technology valuation, and technology transfer, participants engaged in discussions aimed at developing practical collaborations and bringing research-based innovations closer to the market.

Mr. Do Tien Thinh, Deputy Director of the National Innovation Center (NIC), said: “Many promising research outcomes have not yet reached the market or connected effectively with businesses that have the capacity to scale and deliver innovations to society. The Women in Tech Technology Networking Conference was therefore designed to connect women scientists and businesses, innovation to market needs, and turning research into real-world solutions.”

Dr. Tran Van Tung, President of the Vietnam Association for Science Information and Technology (VASTI), stated: “Bridging the gap between scientific research and market demand remains a critical challenge. Researchers need pathways to bring their innovations into practice, while businesses require high-quality homegrown technologies to improve productivity, competitiveness, and sustainable growth.”

Advancing Women-Led Innovation

Science, technology, and innovation play a critical role in Viet Nam's transition towards a greener, more digital, and inclusive economy. Women researchers are making increasingly significant contributions to the country's innovation ecosystem. However, stronger connections among researchers, businesses, investors, and intermediary organizations are needed to bring research outcomes from laboratories to the marketplace, particularly in identifying market demand, advancing technology readiness, protecting intellectual property, valuing innovations, and supporting commercialization.

The Women in Tech Networking Conference was organized to help address these challenges by creating opportunities for women scientists to showcase their technologies, connect with business partners, and access resources that support commercialization. The event also aims to strengthen women's participation and leadership in the science, technology, and innovation ecosystem.

Associate Professor Dr. Huynh Thanh Dat, Vice Head of the Party Central Committee's Commission for Communication, Education and Mass Mobilization, highlighted: “Experience shows that open and inclusive research environments, which encourage participation across generations, disciplines, and perspectives, tend to foster more sustainable creativity and innovation. In such environments, the active participation of women scientists not only enriches research and innovation but also helps build an academic culture grounded in collaboration, responsibility, and knowledge sharing.”

UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Francesca Nardini noted that while women are making important contributions to science and technology, the potential of women scientists remains underutilized, particularly in leading STEM research, owning intellectual property and commercializing research results.  

“Creating more opportunities for women scientists to lead research, own intellectual property, connect with businesses and commercialize their innovations is therefore not only about gender equality. It is also about strengthening Viet Nam's innovation capacity, enterprise competitiveness and future growth.”

Participants also had the opportunity to explore the Techmart Vietnam platform (https://techmartvietnam.vn) and access a portfolio of technologies and patents available for transfer from universities, research institutes, and technology enterprises across the country through the platform https://sanphamkhoahoc.vn.
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Media contact: 
Nguyen Thu Thao, Communications Associate, UNDP in Viet Nam 
Email: nguyen.thu.thao@undp.org, phone: 0386937258